I need to bleed the hydraulic clutch,fluid container was dry when someone depressed the clutch. Now I have to puch clutch all the way in and reverse is nearly impossible because of the grinding.

Hi Billy:
The procedure for bleeding all hydraulic systems is similar.
Bear in mind that hydraulic fluid is a liquid so any bubbles or air voids should end up slowly rising to the high points. That's why pressure bleeding tends to be more effective.
1) Fill the reservoir
2) Locate the bleed valve on the slave cylinder.
3) Place the correct size box end wrench on the bleed valve.
4) I like to attach a clear plastic drain hose to direct the waste fluid to a container.
5) Have a helper pump the clutch pedal several times and then continue to hold it down.
6) "crack" the bleed valve allowing the pedal to fully depress. Close the valve before allowing the helper to release the pedal.
7) Repeat as necessary until all trapped air is expelled and the clutch pedal is not "spongy" when depressed.
8) Top up the fluid as required throughout and when this procedure is completed.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.

GRAVITY BLEEDING CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT

1. Verify fluid level in brake master cylinder. Top off with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary. Leave cap off.

2. Raise vehicle on hoist.

3. Remove bleed port protective cap and install suitable size and length of clear hose (4) to monitor and divert fluid into suitable container.

4. Open up the bleed circuit by turning the thumb screw (3) counter clockwise this will start the air purge and fluid fill process.

5. Lower vehicle, but only enough to gain access to and fill the brake master cylinder. NOTE: Do not allow clutch master cylinder to run dry while fluid exits bleed port.

6. Top off brake master cylinder fluid level while air is purged and fluid drains from bleed port. Continue this until no air bubbles are seen and a solid column of fluid exists.

7. Close hydraulic bleed circuit, remove drain hose and replace dust cap on bleed port.

8. From driver's seat, actuate clutch pedal 60-100 times.

9. Apply parking brake. Start engine and verify clutch operation and pedal feel. If pedal feels fine and clutch operates as designed, stop here. If pedal still feels spongy or clutch does not fully disengage, excessive air is still trapped within the system, most likely at the master cylinder.

10. Top off brake master cylinder fluid level with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary.

POWER BLEEDING CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT

1. Remove reservoir cap and connect bleeder cap to reservoir. NOTE: Use Bleeder Cap/Modified reservoir cap adapter Snap-on #901-059 or equivalent.

2. Connect service filling machine to bleeder cap. NOTE: Use Service Filling Machine/Brake power bleeder Brake power bleeder or equivalent.

3. Service filling machine should be pressurized to at least 2.5 bar (36 PSI).

4. Remove dust cap from bleeder valve and connect the transparent bleeder hose to bleeder valve.

5. Place the other end of hose in the bleeder container to capture the used fluid. The end of the hose MUST be submerged in the DOT 3 brake fluid.

NOTE: Use Bleeder Container To capture hydraulic fluid and Transparent Bleeder Hose To route fluid to container.

6. Turn on the service filling machine.

7. Crack open the bleeder valve (3).

8. Allow fluid to flow out of bleed port until no more air bubbles can be seen in the transparent bleeder hose.

9. Once fluid is free of air bubbles; make 15 quick actuations between clutch pedal stop positions.

10. Close the bleeder valve and disconnect the service filling machine.

11. To remove remaining air, actuate pedal 10 times slowly between pedal stop positions.

12. Check clutch pedal to see if vehicle is properly bled.

13. If vehicle is not properly bled, repeat procedure.

14. Remove bleeder cap from reservoir and replace reservoir cap.

15. Disconnect transparent bleeder hose from bleeder valve and replace dust cap.

Your clutch fluid reservoir may need brake fluid-yes, it uses brake fluid as a hydraulic fluid. Check reservoir on the firewall. It will sit beside the brake master cylinder. The reservoir sits atop the clutch master cylinder.
If it was dry, the clutch may need bleeding down at the slave cylinder on the transmission housing-where the clutch fork sticks out of the transaxle.. Open the bleed valve on the slave cylinder, and have someone slowly press clutch down. Keep bleeding until a steady stream of fluid comes out when clutch is pressed. Then close bleed valve, check clutch operation-pedal should have some pressure on it now.

Instructions:

1) The Hydraulic system should be bled to remove all the air whenever air enters the system. This occurs if the fluid level has been allowed to fall so low that air has been drawn into the clutch master cylinder. Under normal circumstances, air should not enter the system when the quick disconnect hydraulic line fittings have been disconnected. The procedure is very similar to bleeding a brake system, but depends mainly on gravity, rather than the pumping action of the pedal, for the bleeding effect.

2) Fill the master cylinder to the top with new brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications. Caution: Do not re-use any of the fluid coming from the system during the bleeding operation and don't use fluid from which has been inside an open container for an extended period of time.

3) Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands or drive it securely up on ramps (whichever method you chose) to gain access to the bleeder valve, which is located on the top left side of the bellhousing (See Illustration 1-1 below). Try to keep the truck as level as possible. Caution: Don't forget to chock the rear wheels and set parking brake for extra safety...

4) Remove the dust cap which fits over the bleeder valve and push a length of clear plastic hose over the valve. Place the other end of the hose into a clear container.

5) Open the bleeder valve. Fluid will run from the clutch master cylinder, down the hydraulic line, into the release cylinder (the Slave Cylinder) and out through the clear plastic tube. Let the fluid run out until it is free of bubbles.
Note: Don't let the fluid level drop too low in the clutch master cylinder, or air will be drawn into the hydraulic line and the whole process will have to be started over.

6) Close the bleeder valve.

7) Open the bleeder valve and have an assistant slowly depress the clutch pedal allowing fluid to flow through the clear plastic hose. When the clutch pedal is almost to the floor, close the bleeder valve and have the assistant release the pedal.

8) Slowly press the pedal five times, waiting two (2) seconds each time the pedal is released. When releasing the pedal on this step, release it fast. This tends to help **** fluid down the stream and aid in faster bubble reduction.

9) Fill the fluid reservoir to the top.

10) The clutch should now be completely bled. If it isn't, (indicated by failure to disengage completely, and a soft or no pedal), repeat steps 5 through 9.

11) Continue this process until all air is evacuated from the system, indicated by a solid stream of fluid being ejected from the bleeder valve each time with no air bubbles in the hose or container.

12) Install the dust cap and lower the vehicle. Check carefully for proper operation before placing vehicle in normal service. Check the fluid level.

Note: If you can NOT get fluid out of the bleeder screw, then the internal check valve in your clutch master cylinder may be stuck, or you haven't bleed the system for at least 30 minutes. You will either have to use a different bleed technique, or replace the clutch master cylinder. Bleeding a Ranger clutch system takes time and patience. One small mistake / loss of patience / or shortcut, and you'll have to start all over.

Alternate Technique: (these provided by Dirk). Here is one way you can try that really worked great for him.

1) Disconnect the hose from the bottom of the fluid reservoir
2) Use a hand pump to manually force the fluid down the line.
3) Reconnect line to reservoir after process and fill fluid as needed.

Note: The reverse bleeding procedure will not work on all rangers. Some rangers' bleeder is nothing but a tapered hex bolt with a hole in it, no real way to get a good seal on it.

I recommend bleeding the clutch using instructions pasted from autozone.com below. As for the engine light, please get the computer scanned and send us the diagnostic trouble code.
Hydraulic System Bleeding NOTE
It is necessary to bleed the clutch hydraulic release system if the system has lost an excessive amount of fluid and has allowed air into the circuit. Air in the system typically results in a spongy pedal feel, and/or improper clutch release. If air cannot be removed from the system using this procedure, it is necessary to replace both the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder assemblies.

Except Turbocharged Models

1. From driver's seat, actuate clutch pedal 60-100 times. Verify clutch operation/pedal feel. If pedal still feels spongy, or clutch does not fully disengage, excessive air is still trapped within the system. Perform the following procedure:
2. Verify fluid level in clutch master cylinder reservoir. Top off with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Remove clutch slave cylinder assembly from the transaxle case, but do not disconnect from the system. Allow the slave cylinder hang, making it the lowest part of the system.
   CAUTION
   While slave cylinder is detached from the transaxle, DO NOT actuate the clutch master cylinder. Damage to the slave cylinder will result.
   
5. Depress slave cylinder pushrod until it bottoms and then release. Repeat this at least ten times, forcing trapped air upwards and out of the system.
6. Re-install slave cylinder into position. Torque slave cylinder to case bolt to 168 inch lbs. (19 Nm).
7. Carefully lower the vehicle.
8. Check and adjust clutch master cylinder fluid level. Actuate clutch pedal thirty (30) times. Verify clutch operation/pedal feel. If pedal still feels spongy, or clutch does not fully disengage, air is still trapped within the system. Repeat Step 3 through Step 7 until air is purged. If several attempts at purging air from the system are unsuccessful, replace both the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder assemblies.
9. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
10. Carefully lower the vehicle.
11. Top off clutch master cylinder fluid level with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary.

Turbocharged Models

NOTE
Due to the angle and design of the turbo hydraulic system components, gravity and pedal bleeding are less effective and less efficient than the reverse fluid injection method (reverse bleeding). Reverse bleeding is recommended for this system, and requires the use of commercially available injection bleeding equipment.

Alternate Procedure (Pedal Bleeding)

1. Remove reservoir cap and inspect fluid level. Top off with DOT 3 Brake Fluid. Actuate clutch pedal briskly at least 50 times. Verify release system function. Repeat. If release system is still inoperative, continue with procedure.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove clutch bellhousing access cap to expose system bleed screw.
   WARNING
   Use care not to allow fluid to drain into clutch bellhousing. Excessive fluid will be agitated and sprayed around inside the clutch bellhousing by the rotating flywheel, contaminating the flywheel, disc, and pressure plate, resulting in poor clutch engagement.
   
4. Using suitable socket/wrench, loosen bleed screw. Immediately install rubber hose to bleed screw to prevent fluid from entering clutch bellhousing. Tighten bleed screw gently with suitable wrench.
5. Lower vehicle.
6. Have helper actuate clutch pedal to floor.
7. Place collection container at end of hose to capture expelled fluid.
8. Using suitable wrench, break bleeder screw loose and tighten to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm). Do not over-tighten.
9. Have helper release pedal, returning it to at-rest position, and then actuate pedal to floor.
10. Break bleeder screw loose and tighten to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm). Do not over-tighten.
11. Repeat procedure as necessary, keeping master cylinder reservoir full during the process, until air bubbles are no longer visible in collection container.
12. When air bubbles are no longer visible, actuate clutch pedal briskly at least 50 times.
13. Verify release system function and top off fluid as necessary.

Recommended Procedure (Reverse Bleeding)

1. Remove reservoir cap and inspect fluid level. Top off with DOT 3 Brake Fluid. Actuate clutch pedal briskly at least 50 times. Verify release system function. Repeat. If release system is still inoperative, continue with procedure.
2. Remove reservoir from bracket and empty into collection container.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Remove clutch bellhousing access cap to expose system bleed screw.
   CAUTION
   Use care not to allow fluid to drain into clutch bellhousing. Excessive fluid will be agitated and sprayed around inside the clutch bellhousing by the rotating flywheel, contaminating the flywheel, disc, and pressure plate, resulting in poor clutch engagement.
   
5. Using suitable socket/wrench, loosen bleed screw.
   
   
   Fig. Location of the bleed screw for the 2.4L engine
   
6. Quickly attach hand operated bleed apparatus to bleed screw. Use care not to over-fill reservoir and spill fluid into engine compartment.
7. Operate bleed gun sufficiently to expel air upward through circuit and out of master cylinder reservoir. Fill and empty reservoir three times.
8. Remove bleed apparatus and tighten bleed screw to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm). Do not over-tighten.
9. Carefully lower the vehicle.
10. Top off reservoir with fluid, then return the cap.
11. Verify system operation. Actuate clutch pedal 50 times. If necessary, repeat procedure until road test confirms that shift issues no longer exist.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING Do not use fluid which has been bled from a system to fill the reservoir as it may be aerated, have too much moisture content or possibly be contaminated. Clean the dirt and grease from the cap to ensure that no foreign substances enter the system. It is also important to maintain the fluid level in the clutch reservoir to the top step with hydraulic clutch fluid Hydraulic Clutch Fluid GM P/N 12345347 or equivalent.

1. Attach a hose to the bleeder screw on the clutch actuator assembly and submerge the other end of the hose in a container of hydraulic clutch fluid.
2. Depress the clutch pedal slowly and hold.
3. Loosen the bleeder screw to purge air.
4. Tighten the bleeder screw to 18 inch lbs. (2 Nm).
5. Let up on the clutch pedal.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until all air is purged from the system.
7. Fill the reservoir to the top step with hydraulic clutch fluid.
8. Repeat this bleeding procedure if there is a grinding noise during the clutch spin down procedure.

TO ADJUST PEDAL HEIGHT ADJUST WITH A STOPPER LIMITING THE UPWARD TRAVEL OF THE PEDAL.PEDAL FREE PLAY IS ADJUSTED AT THE MASTERCYLINDER PUSH ROD.IF PUSH ROD IS NON ADJUSTABLE FREE PLAY IS ADJUSTED BY PLACING SHIMS BETWEEN THE MASTERCYLINDER AND THE FIREWALL.ON A FEW MODELS PEDAL FREE PLAY CAN ALSO BE ADJUSTED AT THE OPERATING SLAVE CYLINDER PUSHROD.PUSHRODS ARE AVAILABLE IN THREE LENGTHS FOR THE 310.PEDAL HEIGHT ABOVE FLOOR IS 6.73 - 7.13 INCH PEDAL FREE PLAY IS 0.04 - 0.12 INCH.YOU HAVE CLUTCH FLUID LONG AS YOU SEE BRAKE FLUID IN MASTERCYLINDER.IF MASTERCYLINDER LOW YOU HAVE TO BLEED THE THE CLUTCH MASTERCYLINDER BY LOCATING BLEED SCREW ON SLAVE CYLINDER. REMOVE THE BLEED SCREW DUST CAP.ATTACH A CLEAR TUBE TO THE BLEED SCREW.PUT OTHER END OF CLEAR TUBE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OF BRAKE FLUID.FILL THE MASTERCYLINDER WITH BRAKE FLUID.OPEN BLEED SCREW 3/4 A TURN.DEPRESS CLUTCH PEDAL QUICKLY.HOLD IT DOWN.HAVE A HELPER TIGHTEN THE BLEED SCREW.ALLOW PEDAL TO RETURN SLOWLY.BLEEDER SCREW TORQUE IS 5 - 6 FT LBS.IF YOU SEE AIR BUBBLES CLEAR BLEED TUBE.REPEAT THE BLEED PROCESS UNTIL YOU SEE NO AIR BUBBLES.DONT LET CLUTCH MASTERCYLINDER GO DRY WHILE BLEEDING.IF SO YOU GOT START BLEEDING PROCESS ALL OVER.HOPE THIS HELP.

Hydraulic Clutch System BLEEDING The clutch system can be bled using a pressure bleeder. Follow the instructions that come with the pressure bleeder for the proper pressure bleeding procedure. The maximum line pressure while pressure bleeding must not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa). NOTE: To bleed a clutch manually requires the assistance of a second person, a section of hose that is compatible with brake fluid (preferably clear) and fits the slave cylinder bleed screw snugly and a container to catch the fluid that is bled through the system. As brake hydraulic fluid easily absorbs moisture, always use fresh fluid when bleeding a hydraulic system.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. To bleed the system perform the following:
   1. Top off the hydraulic fluid reservoir using a fluid that meets the standards of the vehicle's hydraulic system.
   2. Open the clutch slave cylinder bleed screw and press the clutch pedal to the floor and hold the pedal down.
   3. Close the clutch slave cylinder bleed screw.
   4. Release the clutch pedal.
   5. Check the hydraulic fluid level and top off as necessary.
3. Repeat the above steps until the discharged fluid is clean and no air bubbles appear during the bleeding process.

Dot 3 oil.

clutch is not disengaging enough, probably when hot.
If this is hydraulic clutch, try bleeding the system.

1. Remove the bleeder screw cover from the clutch slave cylinder (7A508) and attach a hose to the bleeder screw.
   

1. Place the other end of the hose in a container.
   

1. Slowly pump the clutch pedal (7519) several times.
   

1. With the clutch pedal depressed, loosen the bleeder screw to release the fluid and air.
   

1. Tighten the bleeder screw.
   

1. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until no air bubbles appear in the fluid.